but on wednesday, an impassioned gabby giffords helped him make the case. speaking for the first time since a bullet shattered her skull two years ago. >> it will be hard. but the time is now. you must act. >> reporter: also testifying was the nra's wayne lapierre, who argued against new gun laws, including requiring background checks for all gun purchases. >> my problem with background checks is you're never going to get criminals to go through universal background checks. >> the president has not met with republicans like marco rubio to talk about his immigration plan. but he said in another interview, quote, i'm happy to meet with anybody, anytime, anywhere, to make sure this happens. >> jon karl, thanks very much. >>> let's go to josh elliott, for the other top stories. things heating up in the middle east. >> there's serious escalation in an already tense region. this morning, israel's military on high alert, after launching an air strike in syria. to the militant group hezbollah in lebanon. the attack appears to confirm fears that the chaotic civil wa